6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Searches for scalar resonances in the γγ + 0ℓ1τ final state at √s = 13.6 TeV with ATLAS Run 3 data using background modelling, spurious signal testing, and DSCB signal parameterisation

8 Jul 2026, 14:50
20m
Lecture Hall GH3 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall GH3

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track B - Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics -2

Speaker

Thapelo Gerry Leboho (University of Witwatersrand)

Description

Despite the rich physics potential of the intermediate diphoton mass range of 130-200\,GeV, this regime remains one of the least constrained at the ATLAS experiment, motivating dedicated searches in the $\gamma\gamma + 0\ell1\tau$ final state. This work presents a study using Run~3 ATLAS data recorded between 2022 and 2024 at $\sqrt{s} = 13.6$\,TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 164\,fb$^{-1}$. Background contributions from $V\gamma\gamma$, Single Higgs production, $t\bar{t}\gamma\gamma$, and $\gamma\gamma +$ jets are modelled by fitting candidate functional forms to the $m_{\gamma\gamma}$ sideband regions and extrapolating into the signal window of 146-154\,GeV. A cut flow
table documents the weighted event yield at each selection stage, identifying areas of significant event loss and motivating selection optimisation. RNN-based working points, namely Loose, Loose with electron rejection, Medium, and Tight, are applied to the hadronic tau identification. A spurious signal test is performed to validate the background fitting function, followed by parameterisation of the signal shape using a Double-Sided Crystal Ball (DSCB) function, completing the signal and background modelling framework for this intermediate-mass regime.

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Author

Thapelo Gerry Leboho (University of Witwatersrand)

Co-authors

Arnav Chauhan Baballo-Victor Ndhlovu (University of the Witwatersrand) Bruce Mellado (University of the Witwatersrand and iThemba LABS) Chinedu Nnaji (Wits University) Francesco Curcio (IFIC, U. Valencia) Karabo Mosala (University of the Witwatersrand) Kgothatso Ntumbe (Universitty of the Witwatersrand(ZA)) Dr Mukesh Kumar Njokweni Mbuyiswa (University of the Witwatersrand) Phuti Rapheeha (University of the Witwatersrand) Rachid Mazini (School of Physics, The University of the Witwatersrand) Sijing Zhang (Institute of High Energy Physics, Beijing, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19B Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China) Vuyolwethu Happyboy Kakancu (University of the Witwatersrand)

Presentation materials